Natural Path to Health: My Practice

Dr. Carol McIntyre

I hope you have been enjoying this AMAZING weather we have been having! There is a big harvest this year. I have been trying to balance my preservation techniques with spending time outside. Rain will come soon and I want to soak up the sun!

There are some reminders I would like to share in regards to my practice. These are mostly just informative. I would like to try and answer some common questions people have and give basic information to people who have not yet visited the office.

What I do: I am a Naturopathic physician and a licensed Acupuncturist with a Doctorate in Naturopathic medicine, a Masters in Oriental medicine and a Bachelors in psychology with minor in sociology.
I am recognized as a PCP (primary care physician) in the state of Oregon and have applied with Columbia County CCO to be recognized as such. If the paperwork is approved that will mean that you can choose to be assigned to me and I will act as your PCP.
I practice spinal manipulation, nutrition, Chinese and Western herbs, Essential oils, homeopathy, acupuncture, well-child check-ups, physical exams, DOT physicals, body work and musculoskeletal techniques including use of TENS and US application. I also have a DEA license to prescribe prescription drugs.

Insurance: I bill insurance. I take BCBS, Kaiser, Moda/ODS, OHP/Medicaid/Columbia County CCO, Cigna, United Health, UMR, Health Net, Lifewise, Providence, MVA (motor vehicle accidents) and workman’s compensation claims. I am sure there is some I am leaving out. ALWAYS call your insurance company to verify benefits, as each insurance is different. This last point is extremely important. Please follow up.
I do not bill Medicare or Veteran benefits including Tri-care. These are part of a federal program and as a Naturopathic doctor I am not recognized to bill federally derived insurance.

Scheduling: Office hours are T/TH from 9am-4pm with the last appointment taken at the latest 3:30pm and Wed from 3pm-8pm. Currently, I am still taking new patients but that will soon have to be capped. I allow time for 3 new patients per week. Because of my increased patient basis I see that I will soon need to reduce this in order to allow time for follow up patients.

Rates: I have cash paying discounts for patients paying at time of service. Insurance billing rates will be provided upon request. I do allow payments. Individual patients may only carry an outstanding balance of $200. Families may only carry a total balance of $350. I feel this is more than generous as I have a large outstanding student loan debt to pay off as well.

Family: My family is a priority for me and I try to balance my practice/patients and family accordingly. There are many times when you will see my children at the office and even my dog. Having the flexibility to share my office space with my children is very important to me and should also be viewed as part of my practice.

Other community involvement: I am the master and treasurer of our local Vernonia Community Grange #305. I have served as treasurer for a number of years and as Master since January 2014. I also coach soccer and volunteer at the school. My office hours are dictated specifically to allow for other time in my life for different activities. Please understand that I do my best to accommodate all patients as needed. If there comes a time when I cannot get you in I will either schedule you at a later date or refer you to another physician for treatment accordingly. We do live in a small town and I may be associated with you on many different levels. Priority is given to medical necessity, not personal connection. Thank you for understanding.

I am more than happy to have such a thriving practice in our lovely town of Vernonia. Thank you for making it possible with your great support and many referrals. I have patients that travel from over the hill, Forest Grove, Banks and even beyond the Portland area. I am humbled by this. I will continue to do my best to serve Vernonia and the surrounding community.

Please contact the office with any questions you may have and I will get back to you as soon as I can. This is a lot of information is one setting. Take the time to review everything and call with questions as you have them.

Be kind. Be respectful. Be happy and enjoy this beautiful weather! Thank you for joining me~ Be Well.